Alpha thalassemia is a fairly common blood disorder worldwide. Thousands of infants with Hb Bart syndrome and HbH disease are born each year, particularly in Southeast Asia. Alpha thalassemia also occurs frequently in people from Mediterranean countries, Africa, the Middle East, India, and Central Asia.
How do alpha and beta thalassemia differ?
Alpha thalassemia is caused by reduced or absent synthesis of alpha globin chains, and beta thalassemia is caused by reduced or absent synthesis of beta globin chains. Imbalances of globin chains cause hemolysis and impair erythropoiesis.
Who is most affected by beta thalassemia?
Beta thalassemia is most often found in people who are from Greek, Italian, African, or Asian origin. The diagnosis is most often made between 6 and 12 years old.
Can thalassemia major Be Cured?
Bone marrow and stem cell transplant from a compatible related donor is the only treatment that can cure thalassemia. It is the most effective treatment.
How long do thalassemia patients live?
“Most thalassaemia patients would live up to the age of 25 to 30 years. Improved facilities will help them live up to the age of 60,” said Dr Mamata Manglani, head of pediatrics, Sion hospital.
Is thalassemia a serious disease?
When left untreated, this condition can lead to problems in the liver, heart, and spleen. Infections and heart failure are the most common life-threatening complications of thalassemia in children. Like adults, children with severe thalassemia need frequent blood transfusions to get rid of excess iron in the body.
Is beta thalassemia minor a disability?
The RPWD Act 2016 has recognised persons with blood disorders (Thalassemia, Hemophilia and Sickle Cell Disease) as ‘persons with disabilities’ under the Act. Those with 40% and above disability will be given a Disability Certificate.
Is thalassemia more common in males or females?
You are at risk for thalassemia if you have a family history of it. Thalassemia can affect both men and women. Certain ethnic groups are at greater risk: Alpha thalassemia most often affects people who are of Southeast Asian, Indian, Chinese, or Filipino descent.
Does alpha thalassemia go away?
This condition causes mild to severe anemia, based on the type of alpha thalassemia that is inherited. People who have this condition can pass the disease on to their children. There is no cure.
Does thalassemia weaken immune system?
Because it is working so hard on this job, it can’t work as hard to filter blood or monitor for and fight infections. Because of this, people with thalassemia are said to be “immunocompromised,” which means that some of the body’s defenses against infection aren’t working.
What should I eat if I have alpha thalassemia?
Nutritional deficiencies are common in thalassemia. It is recommended that patients going through blood transfusion should opt for a low iron diet. Avoiding iron-fortified foods like cereal, red meat, green leafy vegetables & Vitamin C-rich foods is the best option for thalassemic patients.
Can thalassemia minor get married?
If one is a Thalassaemia Minor one must get the spouse/future spouse also tested. If both partners in a marriage are Thalassaemia Minor, there is a 25% chance in every pregnancy that their child will be a Thalassaemia Major.
Is milk good for thalassemia?
Calcium. Many factors in thalassaemia promote calcium depletion. A diet containing adequate calcium (e.g. milk, cheese, dairy products and kale) is always recommended.
How do I know if I have thalassemia carrier?
You can find out if you’re a carrier of thalassaemia by having a simple blood test. The NHS Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia Screening Programme also has detailed leaflets about being a beta thalassaemia carrier or a delta beta thalassaemia carrier.
What is the difference between thalassemia minor and thalassemia trait?
People who have thalassemia trait (also called thalassemia minor) carry the genetic trait for thalassemia but do not usually experience any health problems except perhaps a mild anemia. A person may have either alpha thalassemia trait or beta thalassemia trait, depending upon which form of beta protein is lacking.
Is thalassemia a permanent disability?
A thalassemia major person who is dependent on blood transfusions for life is 100% disabled as it is a progressing, genetic disorder. This is unlike a visually disabled person, who can be certified as 50% visual disabled if one eye has an issue.
What should people with thalassemia minor eat?
Nutrition is very important for many, especially those with thalassemia. Individuals are encouraged to eat a balanced diet consisting of protein, grains, fruits, and vegetables and may need to pay extra attention to ensure not getting high amounts of iron through their diet.
What part of the body does thalassemia affect?
Thalassemia is often accompanied by the destruction of a large number of red blood cells. This causes your spleen to enlarge and work harder than normal. An enlarged spleen can make anemia worse, and it can reduce the life of transfused red blood cells.
Is thalassemia linked to leukemia?
The coexistence of thalassemia with cancers such as Hodgkin disease, lymphoma, seminoma, and leukemia has been reported . This coexistence could be explained by either genetic or environmental interactions, or it might be thought of as just a coincidence.
Can you donate blood if you have thalassemia?
You must not donate blood if you have had babesiosis. You will be permanently deferred. If you have G6PD (Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency) or Thalassemia (minor), you can donate blood if you meet the haemoglobin requirement.
Does thalassemia affect life expectancy?
Outlook. The outlook depends on the type of thalassemia. A person with the thalassemia trait has a normal life expectancy. However, heart complications arising from beta thalassemia major can make this condition fatal before the age of 30 years.
Can thalassemia skip a generation?
Thalassemia is an inherited condition. The genes received from one’s parents before birth determine whether a person will have thalassemia. Thalassemia cannot be caught or passed on to another person.
Is thalassemia major fatal?
Thalassemia major can be fatal. People with alpha thalassemia major die in infancy. People with beta thalassemia major require regular blood transfusions. There are other forms of thalassemia which are not as severe.